Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A summer art exhibition, the Fun Dog show returns, food and drink deals, a Tooting wedding, new openings and more this week...
The Fun Dog Show returns to Tooting Common this Sunday 8th June! 🐕🐩🐶
Registration of dogs starts at 1pm and the show will run from 2pm until about 3.30pm, and takes place in the Events Area east of Dr Johnson Avenue car park.
There are 10 different classes, with £3 entry per class.
For more info, please email fotcinformation@gmail.com
The next Wandsworth Money Advice Roadshow takes place this Friday 6 June, 1.30pm-3.30pm, at St Mark’s Church on Battersea Rise. People in Wandsworth are invited to speak to experts face-to-face at the event, which starts shortly after Wandsworth Foodbank finishes its weekly session (12:30pm).
You'll be able to sit down with advisors from trusted organisations for free, confidential, and tailored support on money, debt, housing, and household bills.
The event is a collaboration with Wandsworth Foodbank based at St Mark's Church, and Wandsworth Borough Council (WBC), with the following groups in attendance:
• Access for All (WBC)
• Area Housing Team (WBC)
• Benefits (WBC)
• Citizens Advice Wandsworth
• Council Tax (WBC)
• Housing Allocations (WBC)
• Housing Register (WBC)
• Financial Inclusion (WBC)
• Income Maximisation (WBC)
• Temporary Accommodation Procurement (WBC)
• Thinking Works
The event is free and there is no need to book. More info via Wandsworth Council.
Taj Daar E Madina (TDM) Masjid Tooting hosts an Eid in the Park event for Eid ul Adha this Friday, 6th June, from 9.30am on Tooting Bec Common (at the corner of Tooting Bec Road and Dr Johnson Avenue).
In the event of bad weather, the event will be held at TDM at 89 Mitcham Road (8am, 9am and 10am).
Full details on poster, or visit the Taj Daar e Madina Masjid & Education Centre website for more info.
Sprout Community Arts Summer Showcase now open in Furzedown!
Over 70 local artists’ work is on show, as part of this year’s Wandsworth Arts Fringe, with a fascinating range of artworks including original paintings, photography, etchings, prints, ceramics, glass and sculpture.
Open 11am-5pm every day until 22nd June at 74 Moyser Road, SW16 6SQ. More info via their website.
Tooting-based property advisor Chuk (of Homes with Chuk) has 5 top tips for selling your home! He tells us more:
“These tips should greatly increase the chances of you selling your home – and whilst they’re in no particular order, the first one should be your priority!
1. Before you invite agents round, obtain an idea of what your home may be worth. Tap in your postcode in Rightmove (0.25 miles) and look for homes similar to yours.
2. Do Everything or Do Nothing! If your home would benefit from being updated, you’re better off doing it completely (if it's within your budget) rather than do bits 'here and there'. Don't be too concerned if you can't or don't want to have the work carried out – you can still sell your home as long as the condition is reflected in the marketing price.
3. Invite 2 or 3 agents round to understand the strategy they have in mind to sell your home. Depending on your situation and home, the whole selling process on average is 3-4 months, so choosing the right person to sell your home is important. Stay away from long contracts, they’re of no benefit to you!
4. Be paperwork prepped and have a quality solicitor and conveyancer on standby! This is particularly important if your home is leasehold.
5. Do you find a new home before putting it on the market or vice versa? It really depends on what you're selling and where you're hoping to buy (ie what is the demand). If you opt for the latter, ensure that you have options in the areas you would like to purchase and/or are in regular contact with estate agents in that locality.
"If you adhere to all of the above, the chances of a smooth and 'stress free' sale will increase dramatically!"
Chuk Agudosi is an independent local property advisor, in partnership with The Agency UK. For more info, email chuk.agudosi@theagencyuk.com, call 020 8092 0200, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
FREE SEO reviews for Tooting businesses at local award-winning digital marketing agency Minty Digital until 20th June!
Minty Digital's Charlie tells us more: "Want your business to be found on Google or ChatGPT? We're offering a FREE SEO review this month, exclusively for businesses in the Tooting area!
"You'll get a free report that gives:
✔️ Video SEO review of your website
✔️ Tips on how to rank higher on Google
✔️ Advice from senior SEO strategists
"Whether you're a local shop, restaurant, or service-based business that wants to be found online, this is for you!"
Free SEO reviews are available until Friday 20th June, 2025. Claim yours now via their website (Ts & Cs apply).
More info about Minty Digital via their website.
Open Morning! The Eveline Day School will be hosting an Open Morning on Wednesday 18th June from 9:15am – 10:45am for prospective parents and children!
The Eveline Day School is a distinctive independent prep school in Wandsworth, welcoming children aged 3 to 11. The School supports working families with wrap-around care from Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:30pm, 51 weeks a year.
With small class sizes of 12–15 pupils and excellent staff-to-student ratios, the school believes that learning should be an enjoyable and fulfilling journey. Children are encouraged to strive for high academic standards while also being supported if they face any challenges along the way.
Children can join The Eveline Day School in Pre-School from aged 3 or from Reception giving them the opportunity to experience eight full years of education in a warm and nurturing setting.
Thanks to careful and measured preparation, Eveline Day School pupils consistently gain places—often with scholarships—to leading secondary schools across London, year after year.
The School’s vision is to inspire a lifelong love of learning and a zest for life, nurturing curiosity, and inquisitive thinking. Children from all cultural, social, and religious backgrounds are equally respected and supported to reach their full academic potential.
To reserve your place at the Open Morning on 18th June, please email office@evelinedayschool.com or call 020 8673 3188. Private tours can also be arranged in advance.
For further details, visit their website.
From this Sunday 1st June, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply disposable vapes, reports the BBC.
Retailers caught breaking the law in England face a minimum £200 fine, with a prison sentence of up to two years for repeat offences. Penalties are broadly similar in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Trading Standards will be able to seize any single-use vapes they find.
Only devices considered to be reusable will be legal. That means that they must have a rechargeable battery, a replaceable coil, and be refillable.
It won't be illegal to own a disposable vape after 1st June. Customers can still return them, and retailers have an obligation to get rid of them.
Full story via BBC News.
The Met Police released the following statement, regarding two incidents in the early hours of Friday 30th May, near Tooting Bec Common and at Post Market Balham, when the venue was closed:
“Officers investigating an allegation of rape have arrested a 33-year-old man, who remains in custody.
“This relates to two incidents in the early hours of Friday, 30 May near Tooting Bec Common and an address in Balham.
“A female victim is being supported by specialist officers.
“Anyone who has information that may assist police is asked to call 101 and quote CAD 0786/30MAY. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The management of Post Market Balham at 92a Balham High Road (where the Balham incident allegedly took place) have released the following statement:
“The management of Post Market Balham would like to offer their sincere thoughts to the victim in this matter. Although totally unrelated to our business and occurring at a time when the space was closed, we are assisting the police with any help we can give them. We will re-open for business as soon as we are able.”
Met police deployed Live Facial Recognition Technology to crime hotspots in Wandsworth – including outside Tooting Broadway station – on Wednesday 4th June.
More info via the Metropolitan Police website.
£10 BURGER AND FRIES EVERY TUESDAY IN JUNE at Burger Nine in Broadway Market Tooting (and a kid’s smash burger and fries is only £7)!
Munir and the team are offering ALL burgers – which all come with house salted rosemary chips – for just a tenner every Tuesday 5pm-10pm, throughout the month of June.
Try their:
🍔 Smash Burger with onion, gherkins, American cheese, and burnt butter mayo
🍔 NEW Hei Hei katsu chicken burger, with ranch, lettuce, lettuce, and honey siracha sauce
🍔 Smash 3.0 with cheese, pulled beef brisket, Carolina sauce, house red pickles and gherkins
🍔 Smash Plus – double beef with caramelised onions, double American cheese, onions, gherkins, burnt butter mayo, and smoky mustard
🍔…and much more besides (see menu in image for more details)!
Eat-in and takeaway only. Find Burger Nine near the Longmead Rd entrance of Broadway Market. Open 5pm-10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm-6pm Sunday. Halal options available. Offer valid every Tuesday during the month of June 2025. Ts and Cs apply. More info via their Instagram.
Congratulations to local residents Daisy and Mohammed, who celebrated their Nikah (Islamic wedding ceremony) at Tooting's Taştê Kurdish Café recently, surrounded by friends and family!
A local Imam led the celebration and, after the ceremony, Mohammed said, "I’m so grateful to have you all here, from Daisy’s family and mine. Now we are one."
Daisy's sister, Georgia, said, "In a time when stories of division dominate the headlines, this was a quiet reminder that there are beautiful things happening all around us.
"This day was also a tribute to the amazing people at Taştê Kurdish Food, who put on the most generous, delicious spread and made everyone feel at home. Their hospitality reflected the best of what Tooting is – a community full of warmth, generosity, and diversity."
Nikah Mubarak, Daisy and Mohammed!
Taştê is located at 91 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9PD.
Nominate your community hero! Nominations are now open for the 2025 Wandsworth Civic Awards, given to residents who have made a positive impact on their community.
Award winners will be those who have supported their neighbours, coached a local sports team, given up their free time to volunteer, organised a community event, carried out an exceptional act of bravery, or contributed to fighting climate change.
There will also be an award for young people between the ages of 11-18. This category will be awarded to an individual that has made remarkable efforts to significantly uplift and enrich their community.
The six categories are:
• Community Champion
• Environmental Hero
• Bravery Award
• Charity Champion
• Cultural Champion
• Young Person of the Year
Nominations close on Monday 23rd June.
For more info or to nominate someone, visit the Wandsworth Council website.
A large crowd gathered and the sun shone for the Naturefest and BioBlitz at Tooting's Fishponds Playing Fields last Saturday 31st May, including many newcomers to the fields.
Attendees, joined by Cllr Paul White and Cllr Rosemary Birchall (the new Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth) took up the challenge of looking for species, and pursued the search in the flower meadow and around the fields. Around 35 species of flowers, butterflies, birds, trees and insects, were found. A sharp eyed 11 year old found the most, spotting 23!
Walks led by experts to spot birds, butterflies, and trees added to the discovery. No less than 9 butterfly and bee species were found, encouraged by the brilliant sunshine!
Cllr White unveiled the new log pile, a massive structure which aims to be a boost to insect life and should increase the number of species seen. Cllr White spoke enthusiastically about the fields and their transformation since they were opened to the public in 2021.
The art table hosted by community artist Jeni Walker created a stunning ‘magic garden’ built up of images made of what attendees had found, mounted on a fabric background.
Organisers would like to thank Enable Leisure & Culture, who coordinated the day and provided the staff, expertise and materials to make it a fun afternoon and a learning experience. Thanks are also extended to local experts Roy Vickery and David Norman, and to the Forever Fishponds team, who worked hard beforehand and on the day to organise and deliver the occasion. And, of course, thanks to those who provided the delicious refreshments!
Forever Fishponds is always keen to welcome new members. Join them at their next Open Meeting on Tuesday 1st July (time TBC) to find out more. Search 'Forever Fishponds' online for more info.
Fishponds Fields is located at 91a Hebdon Road, SW17 7NW
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY: Home-Start Wandsworth's latest group of volunteers recently completed their training, and applications for their autumn training course, starting in September, are now open!
Home-Start volunteers support families with young children in Wandsworth dealing with a variety of difficulties including post-natal depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, bereavement or financial worries.
Volunteers work alongside families to give compassionate, non-judgemental, confidential support, tailored to each family. They help families regain their confidence and empower them to build connections with other support services and the wider community to reduce isolation.
You will be given all the training and support to be effective and make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work.
Home-Start will be hosting an information session on Tuesday 17 June to find out more about the role and meet other volunteers.
Find out more via the Home-Start website.
COMING SOON TO EARLSFIELD: Anjappar Indian Chettinadu Restaurant is to open at 558-560 Garratt Lane, where La Verace was previously located.
They plan to open sometime next week. We'll keep you posted...
Point Pilates Studio has opened at 22 Trinity Road, offering Reformer Pilates classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels!
Open Monday to Sunday, 6am-8pm. Visit their website for more info and to book.
Congratulations and good luck to the team!
Vermicelli open their new pizzeria in Tooting Market tomorrow, Friday 6th June, with the first twenty pizzas FREE for dine-in customers every day until the end of June... plus 25% OFF all main courses (including pasta) all month too – booking details below (spaces filling up fast)👇!
Vermicelli founder, Amos, tells us more: "I was one of the co-founders of the original Franco Manca in Brixton, and I've been dreaming of bringing back its authenticity and vibe from its early days!
"So, when Franco Manca closed their branch in Tooting Market, we knew we had to bring back our original vision for the Tooting community!
"We thrive to do our very best to give our customers the quality and value they deserve with a truly authentic experience, so we're giving away free pizzas to the first 20 dine-in customers each day in June – and 25% off all pizzas and main meals – to celebrate the launch of our pizzeria with our ever growing community.
"We can't wait to show off our new look restaurant and, of course, our pizzas!"
To book your table, visit their booking page.
Vegetarian and vegan options available. Ts and Cs apply. Offers valid from 5th June 2025 to 30th June 2025.
Open Monday to Thursday 12pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-11pm, Sunday 12pm-10pm. Please note that Vermicelli will be closed for lunch Friday 6th June.
The next time you're waiting for a tube at Tooting Bec station, why not read up on a little local history? Transport for London have a display with a brief history of the station, which opened as Trinity Road station in 1926. Nowadays, more than 7 million journeys start or end at Tooting Bec every year – that's over 19,000 journeys a day!
You can find out more about the London Underground's history via London Transport Museum.
The swans on Tooting Common Lake have had five beautiful cygnets!
Dog walkers are asked to please keep their dogs on leads when near the lake, to keep the cygnets safe from harm.
Thanks to Matthew Hamlyn for sharing this wonderful photo on the Friends of Tooting Common Facebook group!
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